Where Is The Top Political Talent Going?

Amidst governmental departments scrambling to find savings and cut spending in everything from defense to White House tours because of the sequestration deal that was agreed to last year, and put into place on January 1 this year, it seems that Senators and there staffers don't have to worry. There hasn't been any scrambling in their offices. Colorado Senators Chiefs of Staff, Michael Sozan for Mark Udall (D Colorado), and Jonathan Davidson for Michael Bennet (D Colorado) are being paid over $150,000.00 per year. That's nearly as much as the Senators themselves. That also puts them in about the top five percent of wage earners in the nation.

According to The Colorado Observer, Mr. Sozan earned $150,833.00 in 2012, and Mr. Davidson earned $169,459.00 in 2012. Compare that to Governor John Hickenloopers salary of $90,000.00 last year, and is about five times what Colorado elected state legislators earn. You can see where the top political talent is going to go to work.

Chief of staff's duties are pretty basic, but do include ensuring that the office runs smoothly, and that the rest of the Senators staff are fulfilling their duties. He/she also takes care of constituent requests. What the Senator really relies on his chief of staff for is evaluating the political outcomes of legislative proposals. A misstep there could be paid for by the ending of some careers.

When your legislator seems to be doing a great job, or is flipping around on the floor of their chamber like a fish out of water, you may want to send your appreciation, or your request for resignation to his chief of staff.